TAMIKA L. SIMS - "THE PLUS FACTOR"

PHOTO CREDITS :http://tamikalsims.yolasite.com/

I'm very pleased to do an article about this young woman who grasped my attention with her story. I'm in a lot of networks and I receive hundreds of submissions daily to be published via my blog. I usually go for unique, different, life changing, uplifting , philanthropy and community stories. I never judge or view individuals or their entities on a sour note. It is my pleasure to introduce to my readers globally, Tamika L. Sims.

In life we will go through challenges, stumbling blocks , failures, pain and those things that we feel that has hindered us from reaching our greatness. We often smile beyond our tears hoping that no one would see how very transparent we are. We sometimes wear a mask of courage to ensure no one will see our weakness and insecurities.

Here is a brief look at Tamika:

Tamika Sims, a South Carolina native, survived a physically, sexually, and emotionally abusive relationship of eight years. Tamika used the pain, suffering, and trauma she endured to write the book The Plus Factor. She is the proud mom of one son, who provides continual strength for her daily. Tamika is currently employed at Sistercare, Inc. as the Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator. Tamika has been featured in Skirt! Magazine and has participated in several television interviews on home visitation and other subject matter.

Tamika received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology from South University with a concentration in Database Administration. Tamika has been featured on the following: WYLD 98 FM - New Orleans, LA; WCAN "Community Impact" - Cleveland, OH and the Jamal Bates Radio Show - Columbia, SC.

It is her desire to pursue her Master Degree in Business Administration. Tamika enjoys writing, reading, music, singing, and is a self-proclaimed coffee lover! Family and friends are very important to her. She devotes a substantial amount of time developing and sustaining relationships with them.

You know I love people who EMPOWER others to go forward! Never keep silent if you know that you can help someone in any way. Sometimes if we share our greatest weakness it can be a strength to someone that has kept silent for so long.

I encourage you to support her book and her vision to reach women that may have endured the pain of abuse in any form, whether it be physical, emotional, sexual, mental...None of it is right!

"Thank you for writing The Plus Factor. It is honest, transparent, and poignant." D. Shipman Ruffin

"on behalf of myself and all women who are still struggling to overcome the trauma of an abusive relationship, the service, support, and dedication from you and others like you are fundamental to our growth and strength." F. Billie

As promised, here is the exclusive interview with this wonderful woman, Tamika!

June 17, 2012

INTERVIEW WITH TAMIKA L SIMMONS﻿

Tell me a little bit about your background and where you were born.

I am originally from Columbia, SC – born and raised. I am the eldest daughter, but the middle child out of all my siblings. I am a mom, sister, daughter, friend and college graduate.

What is your greatest strength?

My greatest strength is my resilience – my ability to bounce back and move forward from any situation.

What is your greatest weakness?

My greatest weakness is being too hard on myself; not forgiving myself as often as I should.

What’s the best thing about being an author?

The best thing about being an author is sharing my journalistic gift with the world.

What’s the best advice that you can give a young woman faced with society today?

The best advice I can give a young woman is for her to know and realize that she is more; more than her body and physical assets; and for her to know and respect the value she possesses.

Have you ever felt like you were destined to pursue any other career?

Yes, I’ve always felt I should have a career in fashion merchandising.

What are your views on abused women in the media today?

The media can be a good and bad thing. It is a necessary evil at times. Oftentimes images are displayed to us that depict women in abuse situations. For example, one media ad comes to mind where a woman is being physically restrained in front of a small crowd of men. In my opinion, there certainly needs to be more education. If there intent is to inform, educate and entertain – it needs to be done in a way that is not particularly offensive.

What are your thoughts on philanthropy?

I have a strong sense of community. One of the ways we can get the key players of our communities involved in our social causes is to provide them with opportunities to volunteer. Hands on service equal money to non-profit organizations.

What’s the best advice you can give an entrepreneur in any industry?

The best advice I can give any entrepreneur is to appreciate the little things. In the beginning, the challenges are greater, the obstacles more fierce and the handles are much larger. If you stay the race and chart the course, the return on your investment will always be much greater.

What’s your favorite past time?

My favorite past time is reading. Reading makes you a great writer.

What’s your vision when it comes to building your legacy?

I just desire to leave my mark on the world knowing that I tried and did my best. To leave something behind that not only will my son be able to learn from it; but others as well.

What do you think is needed to make sure the youth doesn’t keep silent about abuse?

More opportunities to have open and honest conversation, they have to see that what they are experiencing is not “normal” behavior; it is wrong and unhealthy; whether they are perpetrating the abuse or the victim in the relationship.

How important of a role did education play in making you professional that you are today when it comes to writing?

Education is very important because knowledge equals power. There is a certain level of intelligence that is expected of anyone that desires to become an author. I have to go back to reading – it fostered my love for the written word.

What’s an average day for you like?

I am a full-time mom who manages a full-time job. I am also actively involved in marketing my book and working on a second one, 24 hours is NEVER enough – I need more!

Is there anyone in the world that you desire to meet with one day? If yes, who and why?

I love to sit down and talk with First Lady Michelle Obama. In the midst of the busyness of their lives she still finds time for her husband, her children, and fulfilling her responsibilities as the First Lady of the US. It is the ultimate balancing act. I need to know how she orders her private world.

How can readers get in contact with you if they want to purchase your book?

Do you plan on releasing your book in any other language besides English?

I hadn’t thought that far. I may consider it. I want to make sure this book is available for everyone.

In your journey so far, what is your best lesson that you’ve learned?

The best lesson I have learned thus far is to always put myself first; to learn to love and respect me. If I don’t respect myself, I can’t expect for anyone else to.

What was the turning point in your life when you realized that you had to share your story?

I decided that I could no longer be silent. I knew that I could not be the only victim suffering in silence. I needed to use the voice I had recently found.

Tell me something about you that no one would believe?

I LOVE boxing!

If you made the front of a magazine cover, what magazine would it be and what would the title/subtitle say?

Essence and the title would be: A Woman on Top: Life After

If you had your own brand of fortune cookies and was only allowed one statement that would be read by billions, what would it say?

Spend more time listening – people don’t do that enough. We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason.

What do you think the biggest mistakes that individuals make in their career choices?

They don’t trust their decision-making ability, spending a lot of time questioning their judgment. They also need to understand the definition of success – it is when opportunity and preparedness meets. Always be prepared.

When do you think you will retire?

NEVER!

What three things do you think attributed to your success?

Faith. Service to Others. Humility.

What is your greatest belief?

As a Christian, to always remain humble. God does great things in the lives of humble servants. As a female author and professional, the writings of Eleanor Roosevelt inspire me. One of my favorite quotes of hers is this, “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

This is the strength, the power, the grace of a woman who has endured but overcame the obstacles set before her!